Baptist Health Doctors Hospital Emergency Department
Coral Gables, Florida
Baptist Health Doctors Hospital Emergency Department
In early 2024, the Baptist Health Doctors Hospital ED launched a nurse practitioner-led initiative focused on improving throughput and reducing discharge delays. The project targeted key bottlenecks, such as pending urine collections, lab results and provider chart reviews. Nurses expedited urine collections and flagged available results for physicians, who in turn conducted proactive chart reviews and adjusted schedules to ensure more coverage during peak volumes. ED leadership collaborated with ancillary departments – such as lab, radiology, environmental – to optimize external workflows and eliminate barriers. Regular interdisciplinary huddles provided real-time problem-solving, reinforcing team accountability and efficiency.
Since implementation, the average time from discharge order to actual patient departure decreased nearly 20 percent, from 25.9 to 20.8 minutes. Staff satisfaction improved due to better role clarity and collaboration, and patient satisfaction scores increased, with fewer complaints about wait times. This initiative not only enhanced
ED flow but also strengthened interdisciplinary communication and laid the groundwork for future performance improvement projects.
Since implementation, the average time from discharge order to actual patient departure decreased nearly 20 percent, from 25.9 to 20.8 minutes. Staff satisfaction improved due to better role clarity and collaboration, and patient satisfaction scores increased, with fewer complaints about wait times. This initiative not only enhanced
ED flow but also strengthened interdisciplinary communication and laid the groundwork for future performance improvement projects.